At CORA, our mission is to curate exceptional multi-use trails for mountain biking, hiking, running, and nature exploration across the region. Leading the charge are our incredible trail stewards, supported by a dedicated group of volunteers whose passion and hard work bring these trails to life. Thanks to their commitment, CORA’s trails have become a hub for adventure and connection for trailblazers near and far.
Your donation during this campaign can become a gift that keeps on giving—directly supporting the tools, resources, and expertise our volunteers need to continue enhancing our trail systems for the entire community. Your generous support brings us closer to our goal —just under $11,000 left to reach it! Let’s keep the momentum going and finish strong—once we reach our $40,000 target, every dollar will be matched, doubling the impact of your support!
We recently had our Annual Meeting where we had the opportunity to highlight our current projects along with some exciting new projects in the works for 2025 and beyond. Per tradition at the Annual Meeting, we were able to crown some of our hard-working volunteers for their endless efforts to provide great trails for our community. We had recipients for our Golden Rhino Award, CORA Pathfinder Award, and the Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award, which were well received and much deserved. Let’s meet the recipients!
The Golden Rhino Award celebrates a volunteer whose commitment and hard work stand out year after year. This honor goes to someone who consistently logs over 100 hours annually, shaping our trails and community with a lasting impact. From leading trail workdays to organizing group rides, they bring people together and embody the spirit of leadership that makes our organization thrive. We had two recipients this year:
Ginger Marsh
Ginger, CORA’s first female trail steward, brings passion and innovation to East Fork State Park’s mountain biking trails. Since stepping into her role in September 2020, she’s been a driving force in strengthening relationships with the Park Manager and Administration. Collaborating with the Trail Crew, she played a key role in restoring the P1 trail, making it more accessible and beginner-friendly. Dedicated to enhancing the trail experience, Ginger is also committed to fostering inclusivity, working alongside other trail groups to create welcoming spaces for everyone.
"She dedicates countless hours to ensuring the trails are in top shape for everyone to enjoy. She has rallied a network of "trail gnomes" who help keep our trails in excellent condition. From coordinating bridge repairs to prepping for one of the three annual 6-hour races, she exemplifies leadership through her commitment and positivity, inspiring riders of all experience levels.” -Jaki Howser
Gary Foose
Gary is a dedicated volunteer at Tower Park who quietly and humbly invests his time to keep the trails in top shape. Working alongside Mike Lehrter, Gary has spent countless hours ensuring this trail system remains the beloved gem it is today. His unwavering commitment and weekly contributions have made it possible for the community to enjoy these trails to their fullest.
"He has been a workhorse at Tower for many years, often coming out to work alone. He is an unassuming guy who loves to ride and almost always says yes when asked to help with trail matters. He is also an advocate for keeping Tower (especially the lower trails) wild and gnarly” - Mike Lehrter
The CORA Pathfinder Award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in advocating for trail projects. Awardees are celebrated for their exceptional outreach, stakeholder engagement, and dedication to mobilizing the community around shared goals. We had two recipients this year:
Brian Weaver
Brian, a dedicated coach at Nagel Middle School, envisioned a bike park where students could enjoy the thrill of riding as part of their gym class experience. Driven by his passion, he devoted countless hours to turning this dream into reality. From organizing meetings and writing grants to donating his own time, money, and resources—Brian, along with his family, played an instrumental role in building and completing what we now know as Nighthawk Bike Park.
This incredible resource isn’t just for the school—it’s open to the public after hours, providing an exciting outlet for the entire community. During the school day, Brian uses the park to inspire and enrich the lives of countless students, giving them a healthy, fun way to stay active. His efforts will leave a lasting impact on generations to come, promoting physical fitness and a love for the outdoors.
Kyle Reiser
Kyle, a passionate East Westwood resident, has dedicated himself to creating opportunities for his community through trails. Recognizing the need for accessible outdoor spaces, he championed the Goltra Preserve project, which has made incredible strides over the past year. Kyle envisioned how trails could connect and uplift his neighborhood, working tirelessly to make it a reality.
From writing grants to secure funding to inspiring the trail crew with his vision, Kyle has been the driving force behind bringing trails to the heart of the city. His commitment goes beyond the trails themselves—he’s worked closely with Roll Hill School, advocating for students and uniting the community.
Kyle’s belief in the power of trails to transform neighborhoods and lives is inspiring. Thanks to his efforts, East Westwood now has a trail system that offers a bridge to the outdoors and a brighter future for the entire community.
The Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award honors decades of exceptional service, celebrating volunteers whose dedication, vision, and leadership have left a lasting impact on our trails and community, ensuring safe and accessible spaces for all. We had two recipients this year:
Scott Garver
Meet Scott, the trail steward behind the incredible system at Hueston Woods State Park. His connection to these trails dates back to the 1990s, and for over 15 years, he’s been leading the charge with vision and dedication. Scott brought organization and best practices to trail design, emphasizing sustainability in both building and maintenance—qualities that have shaped this network into one of the largest in CORA’s system.
Scott’s collaborative spirit has been instrumental in developing a strong partnership with the park’s land manager, ensuring a shared vision for enhancing Hueston Woods. He’s also worked with Miami University students to help shape the trails we enjoy today, creating a resourceful community of trail builders and enthusiasts.
Scott’s leadership and hard work have created a one-of-a-kind trail experience for all to enjoy. We’re endlessly grateful for his years of dedication and the lasting impact he’s had on this remarkable system. Thank you, Scott!
Alex Maier
Meet Alex, the dedicated trail steward of Harbin Park. After retiring from GE, Alex channeled his energy into improving these trails, starting during his time with the company and continuing well into retirement. He’s been relentless in removing invasive honeysuckle, collaborating with park planners to enhance the park’s natural beauty, and fostering a strong connection with the park’s community.
Alex played a pivotal role in developing trails at the adjacent Muskopf Preserve, creating connections that extend throughout Fairfield and beyond. Each year, he dedicates over 700 hours to maintaining and improving Harbin Park, ensuring the trails we all enjoy remain in top-notch condition.
Alex’s impact stretches beyond Harbin—he also contributed to the original clearing of the Incinerator Trail at Devou, improving safety and sightlines for everyone. The gnarly, unforgettable trails we love wouldn’t be the same without Alex’s passion and hard work. Thank you, Alex!
We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated volunteers who make CORA’s mission possible. Their unwavering leadership and dedication to our trail community are the foundation of our success. They play a vital role in maintaining our trails, ensuring they are accessible year-round, enhancing features to keep the experience fresh and exciting for all skill levels, and constructing new trails that further establish our region as a hub for outdoor adventure.
A heartfelt thank you to Ginger, Gary, Brian, Kyle, Scott, Alex, and all of you who contribute to making our trail systems accessible and ready for every adventure. Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated!
CORA’s mission is to create and maintain outstanding multi-use trails for mountain biking, hiking, running, and nature exploration. Our dedicated volunteers and trail stewards are the heart of this mission, ensuring that our trails are accessible, sustainable, and vibrant spaces for the community. Through their leadership and passion, they help cultivate a trail system that reflects the values of adventure, connection, and stewardship. Together, they drive CORA’s vision of a thriving outdoor community that celebrates and preserves our natural landscapes.
Let's keep the momentum going and continue building opportunities for our community! Your support helps us advance our mission of connecting communities through trails.
Donate today to make a lasting impact! coratrails.org/donate